Signs Your Child May Need an Occupational Therapy Evaluation

Occupational therapy (OT) isn’t just about handwriting. It’s about helping kids build the skills they need for life: self-care, play, school, and everything in between.

But how do you know if your child’s challenges are typical—or a sign they could benefit from OT? Here’s what to watch for when considering whether an OT evaluation might help.

✋ Fine Motor Struggles

• Difficulty holding pencils, scissors, or utensils

• Avoids coloring, cutting, or handwriting tasks

• Struggles with buttons, zippers, or shoelaces beyond expected age

🏃‍♂️ Gross Motor Challenges

• Clumsy, uncoordinated, or frequently falling

• Difficulty climbing, jumping, or playing on playground equipment

• Poor ball skills compared to peers

👂 Sensory Processing Issues

• Overreacts to sounds, lights, textures, or smells

• Constantly seeking sensory input (spinning, crashing, chewing non-food items)

• Meltdowns in crowded, noisy, or unpredictable environments

⏱️ Executive Function & Daily Living

• Trouble following multi-step directions

• Difficulty starting or finishing age-appropriate tasks

• Overwhelmed by daily routines like getting dressed or brushing teeth

🍽️ Feeding Difficulties

• Extreme picky eating beyond typical phases

• Gagging, choking, or avoiding certain textures

• Difficulty using utensils or keeping food in the mouth

😢 Emotional Regulation & Social Participation

• Big emotions that seem out of proportion to situations

• Difficulty transitioning between activities

• Avoiding or struggling with group play, even with familiar peers

📚 School & Learning Concerns

• Trouble keeping up with fine motor-based classroom tasks

• Fatigue or frustration during seat work

• Teachers reporting issues with attention, following directions, or staying on task

🚩 When to Seek an OT Evaluation

If these challenges are persistent, impacting your child’s daily life, and don’t seem to improve with practice or age—it’s time to talk to your pediatrician or contact an OT directly. Early support is powerful: the sooner kids get help, the easier it is to build skills and confidence.

❤️ The Takeaway

You’re not overreacting. You’re advocating.Trust your gut: if your child’s struggles are holding them back from everyday life or joyful play, an OT evaluation can uncover what’s going on—and how to help. 💚

Curious if OT is the right next step? We’re here to answer your questions.

📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466

📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org

🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org

References:

1. American Occupational Therapy Association. (2023). What is Pediatric OT?

2. Bundy, A. C., Lane, S. J., & Murray, E. A. (2002). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice.

3. Case-Smith, J., & O’Brien, J. C. (2015). Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents.

4. Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. (2023). Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges.

5. CDC. (2023). Child Development Milestones: When to Be Concerned.